17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah 32:17 (KJV)
What a great verse for the start of yet another busy week of work, meetings, social commitments, and other time grabbers. Peace, quietness, and assurance: Three things lacking in many lives.
This verse does not promise a challenge free week. It does not guarantee a problem free day. We could find ourselves in the midst of trouble within the next hour. But this verse, like so many others, offers believers the hope of peace in spite of trouble. Calm within regardless of the storms swirling around us.
Righteousness brings quiet. Assurance follows righteousness.
I believe this refers to more than just our positional righteousness that comes with salvation. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we have eternal, positional righteousness with God. However, we still must, to the best of our ability, choose to live a righteous life here on earth.
The peace referenced in Isaiah 32:7 cannot be found in a self-directed life. Christians who ignore the spiritual disciplines are not likely to find quietness. Calm assurance will not characterize those believers who ignore God's conviction.
But start each day with prayer, confession, meditation, and follow that still small voice and you will receive peace, quiet, and assurance in all that you do.
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